The Unified UE Baseband Modem Hardware Platform Architecture for 3GPP Specifications

This paper presents the unified user equipment (UE) baseband modulation and demodulation (modem) hardware platform architecture to support multiple radio access technologies. In particular, this platform selectively supports two systems; one is HEDGE system, which is the combination of third generation partnership project (3GPP) Release 7 high speed packet access evolution (HSPA+) and global system for mobile communication (GSM)/general packet radio service (GPRS)/enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), while the other is LEDGE system, which is the combination of 3GPP Release 8 long term evolution (LTE) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE. This is done by applying the flexible pin multiplexing scheme to a hardwired pin mapping process. On the other hand, to provide stable connection, high portability, and high debugging ability, the stacking structure is employed. Here, a layered board architecture grouped by functional classifications is applied instead of the conventional one flatten board. Based on this proposed configuration, we provide a framework for the verification step in wireless cellular communications. Also, modem function/scenario test and inter-operability test with various base station equipments are verified by system requirements and scenarios.